On 12 March, 2024, representatives from faculty and students of CUHK and CUHK(SZ) gathered at CUHK(SZ) to participate in the Tree Planting Event at Ling College. Together, they planted “Ashoka Trees” as a tribute to forestry pioneers, including Professor Ling Daoyang, an advocate of China’s Tree Planting Day.
Professor Ling Daoyang, one of CUHK’s founders, was a renowned forestry expert, agronomist, educator, and soil conservation specialist. In 1915, he advocated for the establishment of China’s Tree Planting Day. To commemorate Tree Planting Day, Professor Tang Sze-wing, Associate Dean of United College at CUHK; Dr. Tony M.H. Chan, College Secretary; Ms. Zoe K.W. Chan, College Development Officer; Ms. Ophelia H.T. Chan, Assistant to College Head; and Mr. Law Kai-lun, Assistant College Development Officer, along with student representative Miss Lui Hiu-ying, travelled from Hong Kong to join Vice-President of CUHK(SZ) Mr. K.C. Yuen and leaders from the Shenzhen Baiwai Education Group for this special event hosted by Ling College at CUHK(SZ).
CUHK(SZ) chose to plant the “Ashoka Tree” for this event as it is a species of tree once planted by Professor Ling himself at CUHK’s campus. CUHK(SZ) hopes to use the planting of this tree to symbolize the continuation of his spirit and legacy.
During the event, Professor Wang Cong, Associate Vice-President of CUHK(SZ) and Master of Shaw College, highlighted the serene and lush environment of CUHK(SZ)’s campus, which enhances the lives of students. He noted that planting trees not only enriches the campus with life and energy but also serves as a contribution to nature. It reflects the university’s commitment to global issues such as sustainability, environmental protection, and ecology. Professor Lu Zongli, Master of Ling College at CUHK(SZ), introduced the origins of China’s Tree Planting Day during his speech. He shared that the tree planting event aimed to honour Professor Ling Daoyang and other forestry pioneers while inspiring faculty and students to engage in public welfare and environmental protection initiatives. By taking action, he hopes to raise awareness of the green forest effect and carry forward Professor Ling’s vision of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
In an interview, Professor Lu expressed the importance of appreciating our water sources. Since 30 million people in Hong Kong and Shenzhen rely on water from the Dongjiang River, CUHK will organize students from both campuses to visit Xunwu County in Jiangxi, a region which has cooperative ties with Shenzhen, for a series of educational tree-planting and reforestation activities at the Dongjiang River’s source. These efforts aim to change the environment, contributing to the social and economic development of Xunwu through actions.
Student Wu Kang-dong from Malaysia shared his thoughts on the upcoming “Ling College Zero-Waste Program.” He reflected on the profound contributions Professor Ling made to education, forestry, and environmental protection in China. Growing up in a farming family in Malaysia, Wu experienced firsthand the effects of environmental, ocean, and climate pollution. His decision to study in Shenzhen and participate in various university social and public welfare activities has made him more aware of the growing severity of climate change, air and water pollution, and waste issues. He emphasized that everyone’s actions are closely tied to nature, and we all have a responsibility to protect the land we live on. He hopes to set an example for society and the world, striving for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
During the event, United College at CUHK, Ling College at CUHK(SZ), and Minerva College at CUHK(SZ) jointly announced the “Planting Green” Project and the Green Public Welfare Study Camp project. After the tree-planting activity, faculty and students from both campuses visited the Daoyang Memorial Garden where they laid flowers at the statue of Professor Ling to pay their respects and commemorate his outstanding contributions to Chinese forestry.
